William Smith (geologist)
William 'Strata' Smith (23 March 1769 – 28 August 1839) was an English geologist, credited with creating the first nationwide geological map. He is known as the "Father of English Geology" for collating the geological history of England and Wales into a single record, although recognition was very slow in coming. At the time his map was first published he was overlooked by the scientific community; his relatively humble education and family connections preventing him from mixing easily in learned society. Consequently his work was plagiarised, he was financially ruined, and he spent time in debtors' prison. It was only much later in his life that Smith received recognition for his accomplishments.
Read more about William Smith (geologist): Early Life, Life's Work, Publication and Disappointment, Later Recognition, Legacy
Famous quotes containing the words william and/or smith:
“I often think its comical
How Nature always does contrive
That every boy and every gal,
Thats born into the world alive,
Is either a little Liberal,
Or else a little Conservative!”
—Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (18361911)
“He sowed our spawn in the worlds dim dawn,
And I know that it shall not die;”
—Langdon Smith (18581908)